Simon Evans has submitted an excellent match report, as he always does:

Hi Bob

Walsall Wood 2 v 1 Coventry Sphinx

Wood got the game underway and went straight on the attack. A Wood free kick was headed just wide by Lee Hildreth, with Walsall Wood now enjoying a spell of pressure. A Sphinx free kick was intercepted by Joey Butlin, his pass to Lewis Taylor Boyce was cleared by the Sphinx defence.

Sphinx’s first foray into the home box saw the Wood defender and keeper combine to clear the danger. A Sphinx free kick moments later caused panic in the Wood defence, Adam Jenkins making a fine save. Sphinx’s no. 11 Garfield Robinson then went on a great run, some great Wood defending stopping his progress.

After 22 minutes Wood had a free kick, Harry Harris floated the ball in, Louis Harris rising highest, his header diverting the ball into the back of the net.

This seemed to ignite the Sphinx, Garfield Robinson went on another great run, his cross was headed out, the follow up strike was deflected for a corner. The corner was cleared. Wood then applied pressure once more, a Ben Evans run and cross was just too long for the Wood strikers.

After 33 minutes Sphinx got a well deserved equaliser, Zuhayb Abdirahman capitalizing on a defensive slip before slotting past the Wood keeper.

Sphinx then continued pressing for another goal, but some good defending by the Wood saw them kept out

Half time: 1 – 1

Sphinx kicked off, and Wood were soon attacking. From a corner Anthony Juxon headed straight at the keeper. Sphinx then had a free kick which was just too high, and some great wing play by Lewis Taylor Boyce saw his cross evade the oncoming Wood strikers.

Sphinx made the first substitution of the match, Robbie Banks replacing Mark Albrighton.

Joey Butlin then combined with Lewis Taylor Boyce, his cross was laid off by Joey Butlin to Ben Evans whose shot was cleared. Walsall Wood then made a substation, Dan Griffiths replacing Ben Evans which was soon followed by a second swap: Max Black replacing Anthony Juxon. Meanwhile, Sphinx made another substitution, Luke Downes replacing Kieran Nesbitt.

After 78 minutes a long ball saw Garfield Robinson beat the Wood defence, as the keeper came out he slotted the ball past him. A last ditch on the line clearance from Ricardo Ricketts saving an almost certain goal and injuring himself in the process . Soon afterwards Wood replaced Ricardo Ricketts with Craig Deakin.

Zuhayb Abdirahman then had a chance to win it for Sphinx, but a combination of the home defence and keeper cleared the danger.

After 85 minutes Lewis Taylor Boyce got into the box, his ball across was met by Max Black who slotted home a great goal.

Sphinx then made there final change, Zuhayb Abdirahman being replaced by Jacob Dodds.

Wood then went back on the offensive, Dan Griffiths fed Lewis Taylor Boyce, his shot was defended, and the subsequent follow up shot was just off target.

The last action saw the Sphinx’s Luke Downes cross, which was well held by Adam Jenkins in the Wood goal. Straight from that Wood went up the field. A rash tackle saw the Wood gifted a free kick, Louis Harris’s header straight at the keeper.

Full time: 2-1 to Walsall Wood

Thanks to Simon, for an honest, entertaining and fun match report, as ever and great photos from David. It really is an honour to feature them.